Reporting news connected to Christianity and Catholicism with biblical insight. Publicizing God's word through signs, wonders, and miracles of faith. While exploring this blog, it's our belief that visitors will experience the power of the Holy Spirit through inspirational stories of faith and prayer.

Tuesday, March 02, 2010

Archangel Michael is recognized for being the defender of the church and protector of God's people. From the website of the Saint Michael Parish, located in Bedford, MA, you will find numerous stories regarding the intervention of Archangel Michael.

At Constantinople Michael was considered both a heavenly physician and a military protector. The Emperor Constantine the Great attributed his brilliant victory over the pagan Emperor Maxentius to the assistance of Saint Michael, and in gratitude built a magnificent church in Sosthenion, some 50 miles south of Constantinople. He dedicated it to the archangel and called it the Michaelion. In 337 Michael appeared to Constantine at this sanctuary, saying: "I am Michael, the chief of the angelic legions of the Lord of hosts, the protector of the Christian religion, who whilst thou wast battling against godless tyrants, placed the weapons in thy hands." The Michaelion became the scene of many miracles and a place of pilgrimage. Many sick and infirm were cured in it. The sick often slept in this church at night waiting for a manifestation of the archangel.

Monte Gargano, Italy, 493 A.D.

Another apparition of the archangel occurred at Monte Gargano (since renamed Monte Sant'Angelo) in the kingdom of Naples. It is said he showed himself there to the Bishop of Siponto in the year 493 and produced another spring of curative waters. In this apparition, "St. Michael intimated to the bishop that the place was under his protection and that it was his will that God should be worshipped there, in honor of himself and the angels." It is also said that the archangel left his red cloak there when he departed.

A sanctuary, the Santurio di San Michele, was built over the caverns where Michael had appeared. In this sanctuary the Lombards of Sipontum (now called Manfredonia) proclaimed that their May 8, 663 victory over the Greek Neapolitans was due to Michael's intercession.

Today in Gargano, the Santurio (also known as the Basilica of St. Michele Arcangelo) remains a place of devotion and a pilgrimage site. The small fountain in the grotto (actually a small opening in the rocks) is said to still retain its miraculous powers.

Marazion, England, 495 A.D.

St. Michael's Mount, a rocky island called Ictis by the ancient Romans, dominates the bay between Lands End and Lizard Point in West Cornwall. Legend says that in 495 Saint Michael, standing on a ledge on the western side of the island, appeared to Cornish fishermen and hermits to ask that a church be built on the summit. Edward the Confessor founded a Benedictine abbey on the Mount in 1044. A 14th Century castle stands there today.

Rome, 600 A.D.

During a plague which greatly depopulated the city of Rome, Pope Gregory I (Gregory the Great) ordered a penitential procession in which he himself carried a statue of the Blessed Virgin. As the procession reached the bridge across the Tiber, the singing of angels was heard. Suddenly Gregory saw an apparition of a gigantic archangel, Michael, descending upon the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian. In his right hand, Michael held a sword, which he thrust into its scabard. Gregory took the vision as an omen that the plague would stop, which it did, and so he renamed the mausoleum the Castel Sant' Angelo (Castle of the Holy Angel) in Michael's honor.

Avranches, France, 708 A.D.

In France, Saint Michael is the patron of mariners. His statue atop Mont Saint-Michel on the Normandy coast is visible far out to sea. In the year 708 the archangel is said to have appeared to St. Aubert, bishop of Avranches, three times in the bishop's dreams. Each time he commanded Aubert to erect a monastery on a rocky outcrop that rose from the sea a mile off the beach. Aubert obeyed: the site was named Mont-Saint-Michel and the famous sanctuary was built there. Inspired by this famous sight twelve centuries later, Henry Adams wrote in his best-selling book "Mont Saint-Michel and Chartres," that "the Archangel loved heights. Standing on the summit of the tower that crowned his church, wings upspread, sword uplifted, the devil crawling beneath, and the cock, symbol of eternal vigilance, perched on his mailed foot, Saint Michael held a place of his own in heaven and on earth. . . . His place was where the danger was greatest."

Monte Pirchiriano, Italy, 987 A.D.

Just east of Turin, high above an Alpine pass connecting Italy and France, sits a Benedictine abbey known as “La Sacra di San Michele, una abbazia costruita dagli angeli” (“Consecrated by Saint Michael, an abbey made by angels”). The abbey is built around a church which was built around three ancient chapels atop Monte Pirchiriano. The church was built in 987 A.D. by Saint Giovanni Vincenzo after a dream in which Michael and other angels appeared, asking him to build a church and marking its location with a vision of flames on the summit of the mountain (hence the mountain's name, Pirchiriano, meaning “the Lord’s fire”). According to local legend, the first chapel on the site was built into the rock by Michael and his angels around 400 A.D. and the other two chapels were added soon thereafter.

France, 1429

In Fifteenth Century France, Joan of Arc was inspired and urged on to otherwise impossible feats by "voices" coming out of a blaze of light which she identified as those of St. Michael and other angels and saints. It was in vain that she resisted them, saying: "I am a poor girl; I do not know how to ride or fight." The voices only reiterated: "It is God who commands it." She went into battle and was supposedly guided by Michael in her brilliant campaign against the English during the Hundred Years' War.

Mexico, 1631

In April, 1631, Saint Michael visited Tlaxcala, Mexico. On three separate occasions he appeared there to a local Indian, Diego Lazaro by name, and commanded him to "Make my message known." The message was an announcement of a new spring of water, infused and aglow with the "virtue of God." The story handed down to us tells that Diego overcame his initial reticence with difficulty and finally carried out the angel's request. The water soon became famous for its miraculous curative powers. Pilgrims still visit this holy water well, and the statue of Saint Michael, both of which are located at the basilica in the Nativitas district of San Miguel del Milagro (Saint Michael's Miracle), about 40 miles east of Mexico City.

The Vatican, 1884

One day, after celebrating Mass, the aged Pope Leo XIII was in conference with the Cardinals when suddenly he sank to the floor in a deep swoon. Physicians who hastened to his side could find no trace of his pulse and feared that he had expired. However, after a short interval the Holy Father regained consciousness and exclaimed with great emotion: "Oh, what a horrible picture I have been permitted to see!" He had been shown a vision of the activities of evil spirits and their efforts against the Church. But in the midst of the horror the archangel Michael appeared and cast Satan and his legions into the abyss of hell. Soon afterwards the pope composed the following prayer to Saint Michael:

English: St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

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With those words in mind, what does scripture say about publicizing our spiritual journey of faith and gifts that we receive from God? "Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the people. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonderful acts." 1 Chronicles 16:8,9

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With support of Fr. Richard Tartaglia, and Barbara Jones of the National Conference of Catholic Women (NCCW), prayer requests from this blog and our website (Christian-Miracles.com) are prayed for every Monday morning after 8:00 AM Mass, during Holy Hour Adoration, held between the hour of 8:30 to 9:30 AM at Saint Mary's Church. In addition, requests will be prayed for every third Thursday of each month during the 7:30 PM evening prayer service held at St. Mary's Catholic Church for peace. If you live in the area or plan on visiting New Jersey, please consider attending and joining in the prayer services. St. Mary's Parish is located on 15 Myers Avenue, Denville, NJ, USA.

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The Seeker of Spiritual Phenomena

News of Interest

Loci B. Lenar was interviewed by Linda Andrade Rodrigues for The Standard-Times newspaper, New Bedford, MA, and shared his testimony regarding signs, wonders and miracles related to Christianity and his Catholic faith. The article was published on December 29, 2012 in the Religion section of the newspaper.

Profile

Commencing in 2008, Loci B. Lenar the founder of www.Christian-Miracles.com, designed and launched his website as a tool for the New Evangelization in order to create public awareness of an increase of reports related to the miraculous. In addition, Mr. Lenar has shared his spiritual journey of faith by posting his testimony and other news of interest on the site.

"Christian-Miracles.com" is a gathering place for all who are seeking Jesus, especially for Christians and Catholics to renew their faith through news of miracles. "For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:17

With over 3 million visitors since its inception, www.Christian-Miracles.com is growing and helping to lead the way in the New Evangelization by reaching a global community with visitors coming from the USA, Canada, UK, India, Australia, Philippines, Singapore, Germany, Brazil, United Arab Emirates, Ireland, and many other countries.

Mr. Lenar has also been a guest speaker on the radio show Sacred Treasures.He has shared his personal testimony on live radio concerning signs and wonders as connected to Christianity and his Catholic faith. The program is broadcasted weekly on Radio Maria.

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2014 New Jersey Provincial Directory

Now in its 72nd year, the 2014 New Jersey Provincial Directory is the place businesses, educators, clergy, religious, church professionals and Catholic parishioners turn to for the most up-to-date and comprehensive listings for these dioceses.
The directory is published in NJ by the Catholic Star Herald for the Diocese of Camden and has more than 400 pages.
The directory is available at the following link: http://njprovincial.com/

Live Catholic Radio

Podcast: Parishioners of St. Mary's Church Discuss Miracles of Faith on Radio Maria

Interviews Recorded Live on Radio Maria

Thank you very much for tuning into Radio Maria on January 24, 2011 and listening to Loci B. Lenar, Donna Ott, and Father Richard Tartaglia discuss God's spiritual blessings on the radio program, Sacred Treasures. The show is hosted by Kathie Duggan.

(A recording of the broadcast can be listened to by clicking above.)

Loci Lenar began the show by sharing his testimony on witnessing the Miracle of the Sun. He gave his perspective on God's plan for Christian unity, including the spiritual locutions he receives from Jesus. He also discussed being healed of several medical conditions after receiving the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

Donna Ott is the administrative assistant at St. Mary's Church and shared her faith about being healed of arthritis in her fingers.

Fr. Richard Tartaglia is Loci Lenar's spiritual advisor for over fifteen years. Fr. Tartaglia spoke about Mr. Lenar and church history. Mr. Lenar shares with Fr. Tartaglia the spiritual presence of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through spiritual locutions which began over twenty years ago. Lenar is a parishioner of St. Mary's Church, Denville, NJ. Documentation is posted on Lenar's website at the following link: http://www.christian-miracles.com/.

For interested parties, a recording of the radio broadcast is also posted on the home page of Christian-Miracles.com.

Sacred Treasures can be heard live with new guests every Monday between the hours of 3:00 and 4:00 PM (EST) through internet streaming by visiting the following link: Radio Maria

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Honoring the Great Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Inspirational with its artistic design, the stained glass window can be seen inside of Saint Margaret Catholic Church in Morristown, New Jersey. Do you believe in signs and wonders? If so, then I would suggest reading A Tribute to King.

Prayer to Mitigate Natural Disasters

God the Father, we join together in prayer, and petition heaven for divine intervention to mitigate earthquakes and natural disasters throughout the world.

We invoke the powerful name of Jesus to calm the storms of time and to bring forth a millennium of peace and tranquility.

We pray to the Virgin Mary to intercede on behalf of humanity for God's hand of mercy to bless us with divine protection.

We ask this and thank thee in the name of Jesus. Amen

I wrote the prayer in 2010 as a result of the earthquake in Haiti.

Our Lord inspired my heart to compose a prayer in order to petition God to mitigate earthquakes and disasters while I was praying for the victims of Haiti.

Please join in by reciting the prayer daily. Pray for the victims and families affected by the devastating earthquake in Turkey.
Thank you very much for your thoughtful prayer support.

-Loci B. Lenar

All are Welcome with Good Intentions!

Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:28-29

Podcast: Lenar Shares God's Spiritual Blessings on Radio Maria

Click above to Hear Recording

By Loci B. Lenar

I wish to convey my thanks to everyone for tuning into Sacred Treasures on Monday (September 27, 2010) and listening to my testimony regarding God's spiritual gifts. I also wish to thank radio host, Kathie Duggan, for inviting me on her program.

Some of the topics discussed on the radio show are the events leading to my conversion. Our conversation focused on the spiritual presence of Archangel Michael including a cross which continues to appear on my property since 2005. I also discussed my healing of several medical conditions by receiving the sacrament of the anointing of the sick.

As a witness to God's signs, my hope is that everyone that hears my account will open their heart to receive the Lord's blessings and grace. By doing so, may Jesus guide you on the pathway to salvation, healing, and peace.

I believe God's timing has arrived to move forward with a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit for an upsurge of church wide evangelization.

With that in mind, radio host, Kathie Duggan has invited me back to her show to continue my testimony. An update will be posted when the schedule becomes available.

In the meantime, if anyone was unable to tune into Radio Maria, a recording of the radio program is available here on my blog for interested parties.

Sacred Treasures is a Catholic radio show, which is broadcasted on radio stations located in Pennsylvania and south into Texas. However, listeners can also visit the website of Radio Maria at http://radiomaria.us/ to hear the broadcast live between 3:00 PM -4:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time).

While visiting the website of Radio Maria, please do consider listening to some of their other wonderful programs.

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"Cross Appears in 2011 during Lent and Holy Week as a Sign of God's Love," -- Loci B. Lenar

My wife had her cousin Diane Kayal visit our home with her family on Saturday, March 26, 2011. Her cousin's daughter, Brooke stayed overnight. The miracle cross appeared Sunday morning and while standing next to the image, Brooke said in awe, "It looks like Jesus."
I believe that God has opened the windows of heaven and is pouring out the Holy Spirit on our world. Joel 2:28 says, "...I will pour out my Spirit on all people..."
In Psalm 84:11, it reads, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”

"Cross Appears Annually Since 2005," Loci B. Lenar

The above cross appeared on my propetry several times in 2005.
Incidentally, on March 25, 2008 by coincidence or perhaps I should say by providence, the Gloucester County Times of Woodbury, NJ, reported a front page story of a similar cross which was photographed by 9 year old Gwynna Crawford on Easter Sunday.

The cross appeared on a neighbor's house in Pitman, NJ (above photo). The article indicated that Gwyanna's mother and the neighbor were unable to find the source of the sun reflection.

Since 2005 and each year following, God the Father has blest me through His divine son, Jesus Christ, with a miraculous sign of a cross which appears annually on my residence in Mine Hill, NJ. Once again, on Saturday morning, March 27, 2010, a cross surrounded by a shield appeared on my backyard fence (above photo). The spiritual presence of God and His angels coincided with the start of Holy Week. The cross started appearing at the top of the fence as a result of sunlight and then slowly moved downward until it came in contact with the ground. At that point it turned into a round circle of light and then afterward it disappeared. The most recent cross was seen by my wife, Teresa, including my son, Ryan and his friend Nicole. With that in mind, God is calling for everyone to join in prayer for His blessings and graces to mitigate and extinguish violence throughout the world in order to usher in an era of peace. Our Lord is also calling for us to return to the sacraments of the church and to celebration of the Holy Mass. Additional information pertaining to the spiritual locution with more photos can be seen by clicking on the following link: Signs from Heaven

Fr. Richard Tartaglia: Spiritual Director

By Loci B. Lenar

Almost twenty years have passed since I began my initial search for a spiritual advisor. I expected the process to be straightforward and simple; however, it became rather challenging. The most important element in my mind at the time was to find someone that could understand and relate to my spiritual circumstances. As a result, Fr. Richard Tartaglia (above photo) became my spiritual advisor. However, before making my decision, it was a hit and miss process with a few other priests. In hindsight, it was the appropriate choice. Fr. Richard is not only a skillful spiritual counselor, but I also consider him a friend. To read the complete story and for other photographs, please click on the above image.

The Power of the Holy Spirit

Joel 2:28 states, "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all people; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions." For faith related news of interest, please visit Christian-Miracles.com

Whoever preaches, let it be with words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen - 1 Peter 4:11

Pray for Peace

Please pray for God's anointing and mercy to enfold humanity with healing and salvation including peace and religious unity.

Saint Anthony - Wonder Worker

Light of Eternity

The Annunciation

The stained glass window is a beautiful depiction of the Annunciation with the Archangel Gabriel and Blessed Mother. The photograph was taken inside the Holy House Chapel during a visit to the World Apostolate of Fatima, Washington, NJ, USA.

St. Pio of Pietrelcina

The life-like statue of Padre Pio can be seen inside the Church of Saint Ann in Hoboken, NJ. Loci Lenar photographed the statue while attending the St. Ann's Italian Festival on July 25, 2010.